More than 100 descendants of Great Locomotive Chase participants gathered on Saturday at Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

The event-filled included tours of The Southern Museum, a walking tour of Kennesaw and a family discussion about the historical importance of the Great Locomotive Chase. Tomorrow, attendees will also be treated to lectures about a number of topics ranging from the role the Western & Atlantic Railroad played in the development of Kennesaw to Gen. William T. Sherman’s 1864 campaign through Georgia.

At 6 a.m. on April 12, 1862, in what is present day Kennesaw, union spies under the leadership of James J. Andrews stole The General, a Confederate locomotive. The episode – also called the Andrews’ Raid – is memorialized in film, books and at The Southern Museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate that is home to The General.

About The Southern Museum
A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about the Great Locomotive Chase, including the General locomotive; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. The Jolley Education Center features a variety of hands-on exhibits to inspire a love of learning in children. During the sesquicentennial, 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Southern Museum will be hosting numerous events that will explore topics relevant to this tumultuous time in history. Visit the Museum’s calendar of events at southernmuseum.org for a list of activities and events.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children three and under.